The Caverns Historic District
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The Caverns Historic District
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Pueblo Revival style residence
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| Nearest city | Carlsbad, New Mexico |
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| Coordinates | 32°10′37″N 104°26′31″W / 32.17694°N 104.44194°WCoordinates: 32°10′37″N 104°26′31″W / 32.17694°N 104.44194°W |
| Area | 13 acres (5.3 ha) |
| Built | 1927 |
| Architect | Thomas Chalmers Vint; Et al. |
| Architectural style | Pueblo, New Mexican Territorial |
| NRHP Reference # | 88001173 |
| NMSRCP # | 269 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | August 18, 1988 |
| Designated NMSRCP | February 9, 1973 |
The Caverns Historic District comprises the central developed area of Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The complex was built between the early 1920s and 1942, initially in Pueblo Revival style, and later in New Mexico Territorial Revival style in the area around the natural entrance to Carlsbad Caverns. The earlier structures are built of local limestone, the later buildings in adobe. Thirteen buildings in the district are considered contributing structures. Buildings built between 1940 and 1942 were constructed with labor provided by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Early planning for the development of the park started with work by Daniel Ray Hull of the National Park Service Landscape Engineering Division in Los Angeles, who established the Pueblo Revival style in the park. Thomas Chalmers Vint continued Hull's work from the division's new location in San Francisco, renamed the NPS Western Field Office, as its chief. During survey work in the caverns, Vint slipped and fell, breaking his leg. A cowboy named Jim White was sent for help, which arrived after several hours. Vint had to make a long train ride to El Paso, Texas to have his leg set. The incident highlighted the need for safe, well-planned visitor accommodations in the park.
The rustic designs proved popular with park visitors and became a feature of the park. A similar structure was built in the town of Carlsbad as a residence for the park superintendent.
Bunk House and Mess Hall, NPS Building 16 The Pueblo style building was designed by Thomas Chalmers Vint of the National Park Service and was built in 1932 by Armstrong and Armstrong contractors of Roswell, New Mexico. The building incorporates a 1927 residence designed by park superintendent Thomas Boles. The one-story building is on several levels following the contour of its hillside site, with eleven original rooms. A lounge space, now known as the "chapel," featured a higher level of finish.
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